- a Perfect Day at Wangi Wangi It was a beautiful day, perhaps the most beautiful day of the year. A few fluffy clouds, a steady 23 degrees dipping to  a freshening 21 degrees as we ascended up to Peats Ridge and - Life is Good. You know the feeling! There were an indomitable dozen of us. Actually a couple more who left at morning tea, but not before they paid their dues to UCARF, who had arranged the perfect weather which ran contrary to the misleading, dire and deceptive representations from the weather bureau and the ABC. I was amused at the way, in almost perfect (sorry to use that word again, but it was that sort of day) formation the dozen followed me. Swooping up the old road at precisely the speed limit, if the speed limit had been the one I thought appropriate. A quiet coffee at Jerry’s, swooping and tweedling down Bumble Hill and a lovely run through Yarramalong, Dooralong, Mandalong and along the Lake to Chez Wangi in Little Wangi Bay. Rob Toshack did a perfect jo...

Bright and early on Tuesday morning the day held lots of promise, that was until it was time to leave for our meeting place at Sutton Forest. Just as leaving time arrived, so did the rain. Soon it was heavy, and then it was torrential. I stopped for ten minutes at Shell Forestville to clear my visor, and to wait for a break in the deluge. When the rain steadied down a little I was on my way again, joining the slow traffic. By the time I reached the M2 the sky was only offering a sprinkle, and that didn’t last long. My gloves were soaked, inside and out, so by the time I reached the meeting place, my fingers were slightly blue, as I had forgotten that I had grip heaters. With the help of some extra Watts the gloves soon dried out. We had perfect weather and sunshine for the rest of the trip. There had been a couple of late cancelations, so our day one group was John W, MTC, Geoff, Keith, and myself. MTC and John were in their quadbikes; MTC rode with us until  lunchtime, and then re...

  Australian Infantry Museum Ride The weather lately has been all over the shop and as a regular motorcycle rider one tends to keep a close eye on the weather forecast and this week more so for me. When my name pop’s up on the ride calendar to lead a ride, one invariably has a sense of duty to see it through, if it is to be its up to me.    On checking my weather apps including the BOM radar I wasn’t completely satisfied so looking out the window blurry eyed to double check I was convinced that it was going to be a good one and more than likely would be greeted by thirty or so overzealous riders at 7 Eleven Berowra. Sadly, this was not the case although easier to manage with only thirteen mildly enthusiastic riders on various makes and models of expensive petrol guzzling powerful machines, however nobody ever seems to complain about little things like that, it would only demoralise the pleasures of life we take for granted.   There were no newbies to welcome just the...

A perfect day greeted 26 enthusiast riders at Berowra heading out to Pokolbin via Jerry’s and Wollombi then to Pokolbin Park. Newby Sil was given the customary clap much to his surprise.    All started well with relatively clear roads until, while stopped at the Brooklyn Bridge Frosty noted a constabulary vehicle two cars ahead. Some cat and mouse unravelled as it appeared they sped up then slowed down as if to tease us. Eventually they disappeared and we continued merrily onto our coffee fix.    Jerry’s was a popular venue with like minded riders enjoying the open roads and coffee in the sun. We turned at Wollombi to enjoy the vineyard valleys and with some additional help from Richo we found our mark. Noted that the lead rider did take a wrong turn at one point!    Lunch and a leak was enjoyed by all before setting off in a variety of directions towards home. I did not pass go and went straight home to prepare for a Tassie adventure starting the next day....

  Six riders gathered at Berowra looking for a ride and 3 of them made the same suggestion. “Given the Luskintyre Ride got scrubbed last week why don’t we do that?” Who was I to disagree?   So, mindful of the fact time was a’tickin’ we set off a couple of minutes shy of  10am  for morning tea at Wollombi with Peter of the Braces in TEC role (thanks Pete) and with no corner marking nor regathers as everyone knows how to get to Wollombi!   Four riders arrived together, then another after 10 mins and then Pete after another 5. Again, cos it was now after  11:30am , Pete had to chug his coffee so we could get going again.   With corner marking in full swing now we set off for Cessnock and the Old Maitland road. After Bellbird we consolidated the ride group for the only suburbia portion of the ride, trawled through Bellbird Heights and Cessnock before forking left of the Old Maitland road. The first part was AOK and pace was brisk but after a few k’s we hit...

  Hi all and sundry   I am not sure this is politically correct to compose a salutation as I have done. The Oxford Dictionary defines 'Sundry' as "various items not important enough to be mentioned individually". That is certainly not what is intended as there are just too many names to mention, although come to think of it, there may be some applicability...........Stephen. Sorry Stephen, that was uncalled for.....maybe!   Before departing I sought out some expert advice re the weather. My not so trusty BOM app suggested that we may experience a few showers in the morning. That proved to be a lie. Think they have been watching Trumpy too much as we were eventually confronted with showers for most of the day.   11 riders duly assembled at Maccas, McGraths Hill. Shortly after departure, the showers indeed kicked in and did not break until we arrived at Bell. Some smart arse was later heard to mumble.....'it's as clear as a Bell'. A bit sad rea...